We have to admit we have not been a fan of Lexus styling since—well, pretty much since the company started. Recently, Lexus’ design language has been especially off-putting, but we have to admit it comes together and simply works on the LC 500 sports coupe. The car started as a concept Toyota never intended to build, but audience reaction was so positive, they had to greenlight it. We’re happy they did.

Ford trades new cars for "mobility" news

Last year, Ford suprised us with a vehicle no one expected, the new GT supercar. This year the surprise was that they really didn’t show us any new vehicles at all, instead focusing on their transition into a “mobility company” and the debut of their mobility-enabling FordPass platform for both Ford and non-Ford owners. Sounds neat, but since when did apps trump cars at car shows?

VLF Force 1 makes debut against Aston's wishes

The story goes Aston Martin saw a bird’s-eye-view sketch of the VLF Automotive Force 1 V10 and thought it looked too similar to their cars, and so tried to block the car’s debut at NAIAS. Henrik Fisker, Force 1 designer and former Aston stylist, retaliated by suing Aston Martin for $100 million. It turns out the Viper-based Force 1 doesn’t look anything like an Aston anyway.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Hellcat confirmed

The scoop of the show was nabbed by Autofocus’ Brian Makse, who point-blank asked Jeep CEO Mike Manley about whether FCA’s 707-horsepower Hellcat V8 would ever end up between the fenders of a Grand Cherokee and got a “yes.” Manley confirmed a Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee would see dealerships before the end of 2017. Thanks, Brian!

Buick shows off its un-Buick-like Camaro cousin

Buick came out of left field with its Avista coupe concept, which is essentially a Camaro in a fresh, new Buick suit. We’re not used to seeing Buicks with proportions like these, and admit it looks good, though there’s something a little off about its face and rear. Is it something Buick could make into a production car, though? Oh yeah.

Mercedes-Benz's E-Class kicks cruise control up a notch

Mercedes-Benz says its new E-Class is the “most intelligent” mid-size luxury sedan on sale, and backed up the claim by showing off the car’s host of semi-autonomous driving features. The new E-Class comes with an adaptative cruise control that works at up to 210 km/h, and can help you change lanes at up to 130 km/h. Damn.

Precision: the bold (ugly) new face of Acura

Premium automaker Acura showed us where it plans on taking its future styling via its Precision Concept. Other outlets have called the sharply angled car “bold” and “interesting” but we’re just going to come out and say it: it’s ugly. There’s not really a good-looking line on it, and the “diamond-pentagon” grille looks like something from a tacky ’60s kustom car.

Nissan's Titan Warrior stole the truck spotlight

There were many contenders for coolest off-road concept at the show, but we have to give the crown to the TITAN Warrior Concept from Nissan, which even drew the spotlight away from the production Ford Raptor Supercrew. Styling is a mix of “modern armor” and Baja heritage, Nissan says, and it works. We’re hoping this thing makes it to production.

Hyundai turns Genesis into a brand with G90

The Korean automaker showed us the first model to wear its new Genesis brand’s badge, the G90 premium sedan, and we have to say it looks handsome. The car’s supposed to blend luxury and performance, and is one of just five new Genesis cars we can expect to see revealed over the next five years.

Most important reveal? This Chrysler minivan

We were all expecting it, but Chrysler’s Pacifica – formerly the Town & Country – still sort of shocked us, primarily with its looks and its hybrid powertrain. The van may have been the most important reveal of NAIAS 2016 for two reasons: because of its role as a volume seller; and because it shows FCA is finally willing to play the mass-market hybrid game, which they haven’t up to now.